Cable dispensing device and method

A self-propelled, cable dispensing dolly comprising:

• (a) a frame having a front, a rear, and two sides,
• (b) on the frame means for rotatably supporting at least three cable reels side-by-side, each cable reel having two opposing rims and a core section disposed therebetween, the supporting means allowing the reels to rotate independently;
• (c) independent driving means operably communicating with each supported reel, and means for controlling the driving means to selectively apply a driving torque to each cable reel to cause rotation in a first direction of rotation to unwind cable from each cable reel or to selectively apply a driving torque to each cable reel to cause rotation in a second direction of rotation to wind cable onto each cable reel;
• (d) a control means operable with each of the driving means for adjusting the torque applied to each cable reel independent of the torque applied to any other cable reel;
• (e) a first pair of wheels comprising a front wheel and a rear wheel on one side of the frame and a second pair of wheels comprising another front wheel and another rear wheel on the other side of the frame;
• and
• (f) first rotating means for rotating the first pair of wheels forward or backwards and second rotating means for rotating the second pair of wheels forward or backward, the first and second rotating means being independent of each other so that the two pairs of wheels can rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions.